Dead Drone

What we are looking for

Upintheair is seeking creative proposals (150 words) from artists that respond to the source material/script excerpt provided, in any the following format(s):

1. Visions of the future through puppetry based on the source material provided
2. Discussions or thoughts on how sound can be a central character in the dystopian world of Dead Drone
3. Initial costuming concepts for any character(s) outlined
4. Short form video proposals ie: Reels or TIkTok format
5. A dramaturgical process plan
6. Other:  Do you have another interpretation of our call? Ceremony, installation work, performance art, Site, Interactive Theatre? We are open to any creative impulses you have.

The commission seeks to be responsive to the ideas that emerge through the proposal process.

Application Process

STEP ONE The Pitch

Begin by contacting by email or recorded video call detailing your creative concept  or request a digital/phone call interview to be considered. Written concepts should be no more than 150 words. Spoken or video pitches should be 3-5 minutes max in length. Please provide a list of credits, references and/or resume in either format.

STEP TWO Invitations

Upintheair will invite a shortlist of Invited Artists to complete the full proposal process including the Application Requirements (See Below).  Invited Artists will receive a $150 fee for their work completing this step. Please refrain from generating a full proposal prior to receiving an invitation. It will not be considered and you will not receive the $150 fee. This step is designed to reduce systemic unpaid labour in artistic proposal processes.  Contact us for more details.

STEP THREE Conversations

Select Invited Artists will be scheduled for a conversation with our creative team if required. 

STEP FOUR Notice

All Invited Artists paid to submit a full proposal will be contacted with results.

Individual proposal feedback will not be provided.

Invited Artists Only – Application Requirements (if selected in Step Two)

A $150 fee will be paid to each invited Artist(s) for work generating a full proposal at the request of Upintheair.  Please answer the following requirements in your proposal:

1. Contact Info for Lead Artist(s) including Name, Email, Phone, Preferred Pronoun, and Province of Residence
2. Short Synopsis of design/performance concept (1 page or 5 min spoken max)
3. A clear explanation (max 100 words) of how you define collaboration (please read our definition below)
4. Up to 3 pieces of relevant support material (video, audio, past critical reviews etc)
5. Optional/Suggested Inclusions
   • Explanation of how the concept is delivered live on stage (if applicable)
   • Individual and/or Company Bios & website (if applicable)
   • Renderings, Plans, Drafts, Vision Boards, or Treatments (if applicable)
   • A short statement outlining any additional information you feel is relevant to your proposal. These may be specific to your process or project. Examples might include:
     • Artist or team access and/or cultural safety requirements
     • Discussion of your process or dream for how the collaboration might work
     • Specific questions you have for Upintheair

If a written application is a significant barrier to your participation, please contact us through the email or phone number below to discuss how we can accommodate your needs, such as through a verbal process or assistance with your application.

Upintheair is excited to create a new artistic partnership with the successful applicant(s).

Commission Details

Upintheair Theatre will provide selected artists:

• $1500 – $2500 commissioning fee for the successful applicant(s) based on the number of final collaborators
• Travel and Accommodation to and from Vancouver BC (if from outside Vancouver)
• Workshop Fees (CAEA Guidelines/DGC Guidelines)
• Developmental Workshops scheduled in collaboration with the successful applicant(s)
• Royalties on box office or performance guarantees
• Granting opportunities as an Artist in Residence

How do we define emerging?

Upintheair Theatre has a broad and inclusive definition of emerging. We encourage you to address how you self-define in your application. Possible examples could include:

• Recent graduates
• Mid-career artists attempting to significantly grow or transform their practice, such as taking on a new role or embarking on a transformative artistic journey
• “re-emerging” artists who have been away from artistic practice or are looking to launch new practices at later phases of their lives
• Artists that are unknown in our West Coast geographical region or that are looking to emerge into new working or touring networks

What does Collaboration mean to us?

The successful Updrafts Theatre Commission applicant(s) must be open, willing, and excited to work in collaboration with Upintheair Theatre’s staff. This collaboration will be both artistic and administrative if required. Upintheair Theatre’s staff will work with the successful applicant(s) in an artistic capacity such as offering dramaturgical support, artistic leadership, or contributing content. As each relationship is different, the nature of this artistic collaboration will be defined and agreed upon collaboratively by Upintheair Theatre and the successful applicant(s). With 20+ years of experience creating and producing theatre, Upintheair have produced dozens of unique and experimental pieces of theatre. From staging a play in the hollow basement of a downtown building with The North Plan (Jessie Richardson Award Winner for Outstanding Production Small Theatre), to producing the rEvolver Festival, Upintheair are experienced creators, performers, directors, gamers, and dramaturgs, with a keen sense of adventure and a drive to take risks.

Got questions?

Please email us at [email protected] with the heading “UpDrafts Commission question” and we will be happy to answer!